There are several things to consider when deciding to purchase a gaming laptop or a gaming PC.
One of the toughest decisions to make as a player building his or her gaming haven is choosing between a gaming laptop or a gaming PC. After all, there are so many things to consider when deciding on the centerpiece of one's gaming system.
Nowadays, gaming laptops have evolved to become a robust, competitive choice for players as gaming PCs have also stepped up their game. This makes for tougher decision-making when it comes to buying a gaming laptop or gaming PC.
One thing to keep in mind in approaching this decision, however, is how the gaming system will be used. Also, there are three more factors players must consider when purchasing a gaming laptop or gaming PC.
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Laptop or Gaming PC
1. Performance of Gaming Laptop vs Gaming PC
One of the most important things to consider (if not the actual most important factor) when deciding between a gaming laptop and a gaming PC is performance. Nowadays, gaming laptops offer efficient systems that are ready to compete with basic gaming PCs.
While both gaming laptops and gaming PCs may appear to provide similar performance at first glance because of their comparable processors, graphics cards, RAM, and storage, there is quite a difference when it comes to overall performance.
IGN reported that, in general, "desktops typically outperform laptops in all demanding situations." This is despite gaming laptops and gaming PCs having similar hardware. The reason comes down to the processor and discrete graphics.
It cites the Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics card as an example, as its PC version features more CUDA cores, more Tensor units, more RT cores, and more memory bandwidth than the graphics card's mobile version. Aside from more efficient processors and graphics cards and overall superior hardware, gaming PCs are also often equipped with better cooling systems that make them the better choice.
2. Gaming system customization
Players will often need the option to customize their gaming systems, especially if they are looking to have a long-term investment. Games Radar reported that gaming desktops provide more room for upgradeability and customization. Only a handful of gaming laptops actually offer the ability to change components, but this, too, will come with a hefty price tag.
Gaming PCs, on the other hand, are often designed from the very start to be customizable to fit a player's needs, from their CPUs and GPUs down to their cooling systems, a capability that is simply not present in gaming laptops.
3. Price points of gaming laptops and PCs
Among the many factors that go into deciding whether to purchase a gaming laptop or gaming PC is the price, as it is impacted by market conditions. Price hikes are inevitable with the microchip shortage, which impacts a number of consumer goods, including gaming laptops and gaming PCs.
Gamespot reported that desktop GPUs are no longer selling at their recommended manufacturer's suggested retail price or MSRPs, so customers must go for pricier options. Meanwhile, gaming laptops come out more expensive because of the research and development costs that come with creating a smaller, more compact system.
In conclusion, players should go for a gaming laptop if they require a portable setup and do not need a range of customizable components. Gaming laptops are also great for doubling as powerful machines for work. Players who require high levels of customization and do not mind portability issues should go for gaming PCs instead.
